Three members of the river police were injured when extortionists attacked them with spears on the Meghna River in Meghna Upazila, Cumilla.

The Chalivanga River Police arrested two young men in connection with the incident.

The arrestees were identified as Md. Rana (27), son of Abdul Barek, senior joint convener of Chalivanga Union BNP and brother of Hasanat, joint leader of Meghna Upazila Chhatra Dal; and Sajjad Hossain (18), son of Ruf Mia from Nolchar village.

According to police, a local resident called the police, reporting that extortionists were demanding money and assaulting people on the river.

When the police arrived, the attackers threw spears at them and injured ASI Maksud, Constable Sohag, and Saidur Rahman.

A local resident said that extortionists often demand 5,000–10,000 taka from boats passing through the area and physically abuse those who refuse.

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Chalivanga River Police In-Charge Md. Azmgir Hossain said, “We opened 21 rounds of fire when the attackers threw spears at us. Three officers were injured, but we managed to chase and arrest two of the suspects. Legal action is underway, and we will continue to secure the river.”

Earlier, on Monday evening, the River Police arrested Akhtar Hossain (45), cousin of top extortionist Mamun, from Saraswati Char in Titash Upazila during another extortion incident on the Kathalia River.